Pal shares details of Mary Habila's last moments before passing away

Anita Baaki, a close friend and colleague of Mary Habila, has provided a detailed account of the events preceding Habila's death in a sworn affidavit submitted to the Ebonyi State High Court on Wednesday. This affidavit offers a firsthand perspective on the circumstances surrounding Habila's passing.

n

According to Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, she accompanied Habila and other ministry officials on a trip from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for an official assignment under the Minister of Works, David Umahi. Baaki and Habila were part of a group undertaking a task under the minister's supervision.

n

Baaki stated that upon arrival, they were housed in separate but adjacent rooms within a staff chalet located in the minister's country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. The chalet, she emphasized, was specifically designated for ministry staff and associates, rather than being the minister's personal residence.

n

Baaki last saw Habila alive on the evening of June 26, after Habila had returned from a hair appointment, and the two friends chatted and joked together in Baaki's room. Habila had stopped by Baaki's room to show off her new hairstyle before expressing her tiredness and intention to take a shower and sleep.

n

As Baaki recounted, Habila's final words to her were about being tired and wanting to take a shower before sleeping, which marked the last time Baaki saw her alive. This conversation has been documented in the affidavit as a crucial moment before Habila's death.

n

The following morning, Baaki grew concerned when Habila failed to emerge from her room as expected, prompting Baaki to attempt to contact Habila via phone, but the calls went unanswered. Baaki then decided to knock on Habila's door, but there was no response, and the room remained locked from the inside.

n

Upon realizing that Habila was unresponsive and her room was locked, Baaki alerted a domestic staff member to initiate a search of the premises, which ultimately led to the involvement of other staff members. After a search yielded no sign of Habila elsewhere, the decision was made to force open the locked room.

n

Inside the room, Habila was found lying unconscious near the entrance, and she was immediately rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital. Unfortunately, upon arrival at the hospital, doctors confirmed that Habila was dead on arrival.

n

Baaki has affirmatively stated that her affidavit was provided voluntarily, without any coercion, in an effort to aid investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding Habila's death. The goal of her statement is to assist in uncovering the truth behind Habila's passing.

n

As the investigation by the police continues, lawyers representing the Minister of Works have formally requested a comprehensive forensic autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of Habila's death before her remains are released for burial. This request is part of the ongoing efforts to shed light on the events surrounding Habila's demise.